On 12 August, Bangladeshi police resumed patrols in Dhaka, marking the end of a weeklong strike that had created a law and order vacuum following the abrupt removal of former autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
After Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure abroad, which ended her 15-year rule, police had disappeared from the streets of the sprawling megacity of 20 million people.
The police had faced widespread unpopularity due to their involvement in a violent crackdown on protests that led to Hasina’s ousting.
The crackdown resulted in over 450 deaths, including 42 officers. The police had vowed to remain on strike until their safety on duty was assured.
However, they agreed to resume their duties after late-night negotiations with the new interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The interim government of Bangladesh has stated that it will consider taking measures to return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country following violent quota protests, if a formal request is made by the law ministry.
This announcement was made by foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain during his first press briefing at the foreign ministry on Sunday, as reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). (TOI)